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about the band

Philosophers is the musical moniker of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Philip Radiotes. Originally from San Francisco, Phil (and original bandmates Kevin Estrada and Gus Iversen) contacted a lady on Craigslist who needed her Volvo station wagon driven across the country. Fresh off a blown head gasket, with no A/C and 200,000+ miles into its life, the Volvo looked perfect for adventure. The three hopped in, and spurred that old wagon across this great country, eventually settled in Brooklyn to pursue their artistic endeavors. 

Originally performing solo, Phil taught his two friends/traveling companions/housemates how to play music in the hopes of broadening his live sound. Piece by second-hand piece, Estrada quickly developed a unique drumming style. It wasn’t long before Iversen formed a unique, punk-inflected understanding of the bass. Together, the band naturally discovered a sound all their own, combining California’s sunshine-laden surf-rock with the force and swagger of New York City.  

Phil and the Osophers have released work ranging from deeply personal, Dylan-esque bedroom folk to rhythmic, African-inspired, garage-influenced indie rock with Talking Heads quirk. As one would expect from such a band name, philosophical ideas are the lyrical focus. Radiotes’ powerful lyrics encompass revelatory, visionary, and transformative themes, built upon a foundation of novel musical ideas.  

Live, the band now features Ben Uniacke on bass, Jihee Jane on keyboard and violin, with Phil on guitar and Kevin on drums. Phil and the Osophers have shared the stage with the likes of Passion Pit, Art Brut, Miike Snow, Les Savy Fav, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Dodos and many more. View Music And Lyrics.